Table 2 Cross-tabulation illustrating a model of the decision-making axes upon which clinical information was weighted to make decisions
Decision-making axes | Description |
|---|---|
Risks, burdens and benefits | Comparison and weighting of the different treatment options and interventions by their potential effectiveness, dangers, outcomes and side-effects. |
Treatment goals | The intended outcome, either specific to a particular treatment/interventions, place (institution/home) for future care for the patient or the overall intended outcome. |
Normative ethical values | A balancing of actions in terms of ethical value. Actions in terms of their utilitarian value, i.e., increasing patient well-being and/or longevity; and deontological value, i.e., it was a ‘good’ course of action regardless of outcome. |
Interested parties | Discussions incorporated the views of all involved stakeholders, which could include: the patient or their previous wishes, clinical team, relatives, etc. |